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2006 Surfer Poll Awards

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Reef’s elite had a monumental night at the 2006 Surfer Poll Awards witnessed by a packed house at the Grove Theatre in Anaheim, California. Voted on by fans, Bobby Martinez, Rob Machado, Mick Fanning and Sofia Mulanovich all made the prestigious top ten Surfer Poll list, with Martinez and Mulanovich both picking up category specific awards as well.

In front of his peers, heroes, opponents and his parents, Bobby Martinez made two trips to the winner’s podium for his first time to the Surfer Poll Awards. The humble rookie accepted an award for ‘Breakthrough Performer’, a title given to the surfer who has proven himself as the next big thing, then surpassed Surfer Poll veteran winners from the past, leaping to the 5th spot on the list. Equally important was praise mentioned on the podium by Kelly Slater and Rob Machado as they accepted their awards.

“I couldn’t believe it” Martinez said. “This entire year has been unreal. I’m just soaking it all in, and trying to stay focused at the same time. It’s a real honor, and I want to thank everyone that voted.”

From rookie to veteran, Rob Machado walked away with a very impressive #3 spot on the list. Certainly no stranger to the poll, Machado’s legacy at the awards show runs deep with several top ten rankings over the years.

“Machado coming in at #3 is no surprise” says Reef’s Global Team Manager, Heath Walker. “The guy is a living legend, and is still one of the best surfers in the world – his fans revere him, and it showed in the voting.”

Always a crowd favorite, Mick Fanning was on his best behavior as he made a trip to the podium for a very respectable #8 ranking.

Finally, former world champion, Sofia Mulanovich, cleaned house as she accepted awards for ‘Best Performance by a Female’ and the award for ‘Best Documentary’ for her film Sofia. She then made a 3rd trip to the podium as she earned the coveted #1 ranking on the Surfer Poll for the 2nd consecutive year.

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